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History and Principles of Danzan Ryu

Danzan Ryu Jujutsu

Danzan Ryu was founded by "Henry" Seishiro Okazaki. He was born in Japan on January 28, 1890, and moved to Hawaii as a teenager. At 16, Okazaki learned he had tuberculosis. He dedicated himself to martial arts and recovered completely, which led him to dedicate his life to propagating jujutsu and judo. He created the Danzan Ryu style in 1927-28 by synthesizing several older styles of jujutsu, along with elements of Okinawan karate, Chinese wu-shu, Hawaiian lua, Filipino escrima, and western boxing and wrestling. Danzan Ryu takes its name from the sweet-smelling Sandlewood trees found on Hawaiian mountains. The name translates as Cedar Mountain or Sandlewood Mountain style. Okazaki's dojo, Kodenkan, means "the school of the ancient tradition." Okazaki also taught traditional Japanese restorative massage, or seifukujutsu, at the sanitarium where he made his living.

The Esoteric Teachings of "Henry" Seishiro Okazaki

Master of the Kodenkan(School of the Ancient Tradition)

Since the fundamental principle acquired through the practice of Jujitsu
has been elevated to a finer moral concept called Judo, "The Way of
Gentleness," it may well be said that the primary objective of practicing Judo
is perfection of character. And to perfect one's character one must be
grateful for the abundant blessings of Heaven, Earth, and Nature, as well as
for the great love of parents; one must realize his enormous debt to teachers
and be ever mindful of his obligations to the general public.

As a member of a family, one's first duty is to filial to parents, to be
helpful and harmonious with one's wife or husband, and to be affectionate to
brothers and sisters, so that the family may be a sound, successful, and
harmonious unit of the community.

As a member of a nation one must be grateful for the protection which one
derives as a citizen; one must guard against self-interest and foster a spirit
of social service. One must be discreet in action, yet hold courage in high
regard, and strive to cultivate manliness. One must be gentle, modest, polite,
and resourceful; never eccentric, but striving always to practice moderation
in all things. One must realize that these qualities constitute the secret of
the practice of Judo.

Anyone who practices Judo should neither be afraid of the strong nor
despise the weak; nor should he act contrary to the strength of his enemy
because of the art he has acquired. For example, when a boat is set afloat
on water, one man's strength is sufficient to move the boat back and forth.
This is only possible because the boat floats; for if, on the other hand, the
boat is placed on dry land, the same man's strength is scarcely sufficient to
move it. It is necessary, therefore, that the weak should learn this fact
with regard to the strong.

The forms and techniques should be remembered as the basic art of Judo.
One should never use these arts against anyone without sufficient
justification. Therefore, refrain from arrogance and do not despise a small
enemy or a weak opponent. Every student of Judo should realize that
honesty is the foundation of all virtues. Kindness is the secret of business
prosperity. Amiability is the essence of success. Working pleasantly is the
mother of health. Strenuous effort and diligence conquer adverse
circumstances. Simplicity, fortitude, and manliness are the keys to joy and
gladness; and service to humanity is the fountain of mutual existence and
common prosperity.

As aptly expressed in the poem "The boughs that bear most hang
lowest," one should never forget the virtue of modesty as one attains
proficiency in the art of Judo. Do not disdain or regard lightly either
literary or military art; each is important and deserves equal cultivation and
respect. Within constant motion and change there is tranquillity; and
within tranquillity, there is motion and change.

Remember always parental love and one's enormous indebtedness to teachers.
Be grateful for the protection of Heaven and Earth. Be a good leader to
younger men. To lead younger men well, will in the long run, mean to attain
proficiency in the skill of Judo.

Like a drawing in India ink of the whispering of wind in the pines, the
secrets of Judo can only be suggested.
Only through personal experience can one comprehend the mystic ecstasy of such
secrets. It is said of Jujitsu that it would require ten years of practice to
win victory over one's self and twenty years to win victory over others.

Whatever the trials or dangers, even "Hell under the upraised sword,"
remain calm and remember the doctrine imparted to you by your teacher.

A noted verse reads: "For the lotus flower to fall is to rise to the
surface."

Only by cultivating a receptive state of mind, without preconceived
ideas or thoughts, can one master the secret art of reacting
spontaneously and naturally without hesitation and without purposeless
resistance.

These are the secrets of KoDenKan into which I have had the honor to initiate
you.

Dojo

Danzan Ryu Jujitsuin the tradition ofHenry S. Okazaki

Prior Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 It is a large complex. As you approach on Prior, look for the water tower. You will see a yellow painted banner with an arrow down the side of the building, that says "school." Enter at the double doors under the awning. Proceed up the stairs to the lobby. Follow the signs. There is parking across the street.